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Key Points

Virat Kohli, having recently retired from cricket, continues to be a staunch advocate for the Test format, urging young players to prioritize it. Despite his illustrious career and recent IPL victory, Kohli believes Test cricket holds unparalleled prestige and respect in the world of cricket. He shares personal insights, positioning his own successes as secondary to the long-format challenges that yield true admiration. Encouraging youth to honor and dedicate themselves to Test cricket, Kohli leaves a legacy intertwined with performance and respect.

Key Points: Virat Kohli Urges Youngsters to Embrace Test Cricket Legacy

  • Kohli emphasizes Test cricket's value over shorter formats
  • Kohli cites personal career highs still ranking below Test cricket
  • Kohli retires with 9230 Test runs and 4th most successful captaincy
  • Kohli calls on youth to give their all to Test cricket for respect
2 min read

'If you want to earn respect, take up Test cricket': retired Kohli once again urges youngsters to take up longest format

Retired Kohli champions Test cricket, urging new players to honor the format for true respect.

"If you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye and shake your hand and say, 'Well done, you played the game really well.' - Virat Kohli"

Ahmedabad, June 4

Virat Kohli remains a firm advocate for Test cricket as the Indian great once again expressed his opinion about youngsters playing the longest format after Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their 18-year-long drought to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Kohli abruptly announced his retirement during the 2025 IPL season and will not be a part of the side that faces England for five Test matches over the next two months. His last appearance in the format came against Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.

Kohli believes there is nothing more important than playing Test cricket and said only after you perform in the longest format, will respect the world a player for his game.

“You know, this moment is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That's how much I value Test cricket. And that's how much I love Test cricket.

"So I would just urge the youngsters coming through, to treat that format with respect. Because if you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye and shake your hand and say, 'Well done, you played the game really well'. So if you want to earn respect in World cricket all over, take up Test cricket, and give your heart and soul to it. And when you walk out with wonders on the other side, then you gain respect to the cricket world with legends like yourself melting our hearts on the field and off the field," Kohli said on Tuesday.

Kohli bid adieu to his Test career with 9230 runs in 123 matches at an impressive average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. He wrapped up his Test career as the fourth-most successful Test captain overall with 40 wins, behind Graeme Smith (53 wins), Ricky Ponting (48 wins), and Steve Waugh (41 wins). He also has the most Test hundreds by an Indian captain, with Gavaskar (11 centuries) way behind his 20 tons.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Kohli is absolutely right! Test cricket is the real test of a player's character and skills. IPL may give fame and money, but nothing beats the satisfaction of a hard-fought Test victory. Youngsters should listen to this legend's advice 🙌 #TestCricketForever
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Priya M.
While I respect Kohli's passion, we must accept that times are changing. Most young players come from modest backgrounds and IPL gives them financial security first. Test cricket can come later. Both formats have their place in modern cricket.
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Arjun S.
King Kohli speaking facts! Remember his 2018 England tour? That's what real cricket looks like. Today's kids only want sixes and cheerleaders. Test cricket builds patience, technique and mental strength - qualities we need in life too! 🇮🇳
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Sneha R.
Emotional hearing this from Virat 😢 His dedication to Test cricket was unmatched. That Adelaide century against Australia will remain etched in our memories forever. Hope BCCI finds a way to keep Test cricket relevant for new generations.
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Vikram J.
Respect for Kohli's views but let's be practical - Test matches don't get even 10% of the crowds that IPL gets. Maybe we need day-night Tests or 4-day matches to make it more appealing to youngsters. Tradition is good, but evolution is necessary.
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Neha P.
As a cricket mom, I make my son watch Kohli's Test innings instead of just IPL highlights. There's so much to learn from his discipline and grit. Thank you Virat for being the perfect role model! 💙

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